New campaign to raise awareness about criminal scams

Diane King

Published:14:39Friday 07 October 2016

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A new campaign was launched this week to raise awareness of scams and to encourage people to make a stand against them.

In our increasingly connected society, scammers have more ways of taking advantage of people than ever. Unfortunately, it’s often the most vulnerable that fraudsters target. The Friends Against Scams campaign aims to protect vulnerable members of the community from becoming victims by ‘empowering communities to take a stand against scams’.

Louise Baxter, team manager at the National Trading Standards Scams Team, said:“Scams do huge damage to our society and we have launched this campaign to protect our communities, particularly people in vulnerable situations who are deliberately targeted by criminals. Scams defraud people and – in addition to the financial damage – many victims are left feeling socially isolated, often too uncomfortable to tell their friends and family what has happened.”

The campaign is open to anyone who wants to protect themselves, their friends, family or neighbours from fraudsters and offers free training and awareness sessions, available both online and in person.

The sessions aim to provide those taking part with the confidence to identify and prevent scams. Participants become a ‘friend against scams’ and are encouraged to put their knowledge to use in their local community.

“It is time that we took a stand against scams,” adds Louise Baxter.

“Friends Against Scams aims to tackle the lack of scams awareness by providing information to enable communities and organisations to understand scams, talk about scams and convey messages throughout communities about scam prevention and protection. I’d encourage anyone interested in stopping scams to visit the Friends Against Scams website – friendsagainstscams.org.uk – and sign-up.”

If you’re worried that you have been a victim of fraud, contact Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06.